Early Morning Freight Train Derailment Slows Highway 50 Traffic

Over 30 railroad freight cars derailed early Friday morning, causing disruptions to eastbound traffic on Highway 50 near Knob Noster, according to Union Pacific Railroad.

According to the Johnson County Emergency Management Agency, the derailment happened around 1:15 a.m., and as a result, blocked two railroad crossings – one at NE 801 Road at NE Highway 50, and one in the 740 block of NE Highway 50.

All of the rail cars were empty and no hazardous materials were spilled in the incident, it was noted.

There were no injuries reported.

The incident is currently under investigation by Union Pacific.

Amtrak had to cancel the Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner Trains #318 and #319 between Kansas City and St. Louis on Friday as a result of the derailment.

An investigation into the incident is underway.